Sport post

ABSTRACT

The present invention is related to a sport post associated with a goal, a score or finish line, and a method of using the sport post. The sport post includes at least one post defining at least one slot along a longitudinal axis of the post. The post is substantially aligned with an edge adjacent a sport area associated with a sport surface for determining a sport condition of a goal, a finish or a score. At least one transparent member is received through the slot, and has a configuration so that at least a portion of the edge is visible through the transparent member. The sport post can be associated with a system including a reflective strip on the sport surface, an electromagnetic radiation transmitting device and a detection device for determining if a sport element crosses the edge.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a sport post for use in connection with verifying a goal, a score or finish by viewing a line or edge of a sport surface.

Description of the Prior Art

Improper goal score or no-goal calls by sporting officials are widely known as a subjective issue. Even with modern implementation of slow motion cameras, specifically in-goal or above located cameras, have increased the accuracy of goal calls but improper (bad calls) are still prevalent in present sporting events. These improper goal calls are highly and routinely scrutinized in the National Hockey League (NHL). For example, in Game 6 of the 2004 Stanley Cup finals a non-goal was called against the Calgary Flames sniper Martin Gelinas. This non-goal call was later observed to be an improper call since the puck clearly crossed the goal line, and which eventually led to a loss of the game and arguably the championship.

The Calgary Flames had an almost identical possible improper non-goal call during the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs, which led to a loss of the game and arguably their playoff run. An NHL official stated that in regarding to the Flames 2004 and 2015 non-goal calls “What's different is we have post cameras in net and overheads in high definition we didn't have back then”. The situation of the non-goal call in 2015 was the puck was obscured by the crossbar from the overhead camera, the net camera was blocked out by the goalie, as was the post camera on the goalie's left side. The right-side post camera isn't designed to aim down enough to see the low shot.

This issue and a lack of technology to overcome it were publicly indicated by Colin Campbell, Executive Vice Preside and Directory of Hockey Operations for the NHL, where Campbell stated “We've been trying to achieve perfection. Maybe one day we'll have it 100% but it's difficult. Hey, maybe the next one we use is a crossbar camera (shooting down at the goal line).”

While the above-described problem was described with reference to hockey, it can be appreciated that improper calls are an issue in any sport that involves an object crossing a line.

Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved sport post that can be used for verifying a goal, a score or finish by viewing a line or edge of a sport surface. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need. In this respect, the sport post according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provide an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of verifying a goal, a score or finish by viewing a line or edge of a sport surface.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of transparent goal post now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved sport post, and overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved sport post and method which has all the advantages of the prior art mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a sport post which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by the prior art, either alone or in any combination thereof.

To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a sport post including at least one post defining at least one slot along a longitudinal axis of the post. The post is substantially aligned with an edge adjacent a sport area associated with a sport surface for determining a sport condition of a goal, a finish or a score. At least one transparent member is received through the slot, and has a configuration so that at least a portion of the edge is visible through the transparent member.

The sport post can be associated with a system including a reflective strip on the sport surface, an electromagnetic radiation transmitting device and a detection device for determining if a sport element crosses the edge.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.

The transparent member invention may also include biased latching tabs for removably securing the transparent member in the slot. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached.

Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this respect, before explaining the current embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved sport post that has all of the advantages of the prior art goal posts or finish line posts and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved sport post that may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved sport post that has a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such sport post economically available to the buying public.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new sport post that provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith.

Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a sport post for verifying a goal, a score or finish by viewing a line or edge of a sport surface. This allows for a more accurate review of improper calls by providing a clear view of the goal or finish line and an adjacent scoring or finish area.

Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved A method of using a sport post for verifying a sport condition, the method comprising the steps of orientating at least one post above an edge adjacent a sport area associated with a sport surface. The post defines at least one slot along a longitudinal axis of the post. Then orientating at least one transparent member received through the slot so that at least a portion of the edge is visible through the transparent member. Lastly, determining if a sport element crosses the edge of the sport area to determine a sport condition selected from a goal, a finish or a score.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the goal constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, with the phantom lines depicting environmental structure and forming no part of the claimed invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a goal post of the goal taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment goal post of the goal.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment goal post of the goal.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment transparent member of the goal.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment goal post of the goal.

The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1-7, an embodiment of the sport post of the present invention is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral 10.

In FIG. 1, a new and improved sport post 10 of the present invention for verifying a goal, a score or finish by viewing a line or edge of a sport surface is illustrated and will be described. For exemplary purposes, the following description references a hockey goal, however it can be appreciated that the present invention can be used for any sporting or athletic event that uses a crossing of a line. Examples of such sporting or athletic events are, but not limited to, hockey, football, soccer, basketball, baseball, curling, bowling, golf, cricket, lacrosse, field hockey, swimming, track and field, animal racing, vehicle racing, and similar events.

For example, a hockey goal 10 is positioned on the ice 2 on a goal line 4. The goal line 4 can be colored, such as but not limited to red as in the sport of hockey. When a hockey puck 6 crosses over and past the goal line 4 a goal is scored. For the goal to count, the puck 6 must clearly past the goal line 4. The goal line 4 is embedded in the ice 2, and includes an imaginary vertical plane that extends outwardly from the ice 2 to a pair of parallel vertical goal posts 12 that are connected by a horizontal top goal post 14 via corner posts 16. The goal 10 further includes additional rewardly extending posts 18 to create an opened enclosure surrounded by a net 20.

There have been cases during a game when a goal score was awarded but the puck 6 did not cross past the goal line 4 or a goal score was not awarded when the puck 6 did cross past the goal line 4. Even with slow motion video replay at varying angles, there are instances when viewing of the goal line 4 is obscured.

The goal 10 of the present invention overcomes this disadvantage by including a transparent section 22 that is positioned so as to provide a clear and unobstructed view of an edge of the goal line 4 that represents a goal score. The transparent section 22 can be associated with the vertical post 12, the horizontal post 14 and/or the corner posts 16, thereby provided an all above unobstructed view of the goal line 4. The transparent section 22 provides a view of the goal line 4 enabling proper desertion if a goal was or was not scored. The post 12, 14, 16 defines a longitudinal slot which receives a portion of the transparent section 22 allowing an exterior surface of the transparent section 22 to be flush with a cross-sectional profile of the post 12, 14, 16. The transparent section 22 may include a flange extension 24 that is received inside the post 12, 14, 16, thereby securing the transparent section 22 to the post 12, 14, 16. The extension 24 may be a biasing latch tab having an angle face that forces the tab inward during insertion of the transparent section 22 into the slot. The transparent member 22 can be secured to the post 12, 14, 16 by adhesive, welding or mechanical fasteners.

The transparent section 22 can be located at a rear edge of the post 12, 14, 16 directly over the goal line 4, as best illustrated in FIG. 2. However, the transparent section 22 may be located over a rear edge of the goal line 4 providing a view of the goal line 4 and an area adjacent the goal line 4 that represents an interior of the goal.

The net 20 may be attached to the posts 12, 14, 16 by an offset rod or bracket 25, consequently defining a gap between the bracket 25 and the posts 12, 14, 16 and thereby providing an unobstructed view of the goal line 4 or ice 2 therebelow.

The goal 10 can be used in association with a system including a reflective strip 26 embedded in the ice 2 adjacent the goal line 4 in the interior of the goal. A light transmission device 28 and a detection device 30 could be positioned above the goal line 4 and reflective strip 26. The light transmission device 28 would be configured to transmit an electromagnetic radiation or spectrum, such as but not limited to light, at a frequency and/or wavelength not viewable by the human eye but which is detectable or viewable by the detection device 30. The reflective strip 26 could be colored in a color different than the goal line 4, thereby producing a distinguishable edge of the interior of the goal 10. The light is configured to reflect off the reflective strip 26 producing a colored reflection or reflected light 32.

During use, when a puck 6 crosses the goal line 4 into the goal, the puck 6 would be viewable by the detection device 30 and a portion of the colored reflection would be obscured by the puck 6. An opened space is produced when the entire puck 6 crosses past the goal line 4, thus allowing the portion of the colored reflection to be viewable by the detection device 30. The detection device 30 would provide a clear indication that a goal was scored because of the clear distinction produced by the viewed colored reflection. The detection device 30 can communicate with an automatic goal scoring system, a video replay system or any other officiating system (not shown). The detection device 30 can be, but not limited to, any electromagnetic radiation sensor, a camera or a human viewer.

An alternate embodiment goal 34 includes a main transparent section 36, a forward transparent section 38 located at a forward edge of the main transparent section 36, and a rear transparent section 40 located at a rear edge of the main transparent section 36, as best illustrated in FIG. 3. The alternate embodiment goal 34 can be positioned so that the main transparent section 36, the forward transparent section 38 or the rear transparent section 40 can be positioned over the goal line 4. The rear transparent section 40 can be vertically aligned with an edge of the goal line 4 adjacent the interior of the goal.

It can be appreciated that the main transparent section 36, the forward transparent section 38 and/or the rear transparent section 40 can be colored to assist in differentiating between the goal line 4 and the interior area of the goal. The alternate embodiment goal 34 can be used in combination with the reflective strip 26, light transmission device 28 and a detection device 30. It can further be appreciated that the main transparent section 36 may be translucent or opaque. The forward transparent section 38 and/or the rear transparent section 40 can be integrally formed with the main transparent section 36 or may be attachable thereto by mechanical means allowing the forward and rear sections to be removable and replaceable.

FIG. 4 illustrates a third alternate embodiment goal 44 which includes a main body 46 featuring an upper and lower planar sides 48 that are substantially parallel with each other and with the ice 2. Each planar side 48 defines a longitudinal slot configured to receive a transparent member 50 so that they are vertically aligned with each other. The main body 46 can have a substantially oval shape thereby provide strength and rigidity to the goal 44.

Each transparent member 50 can include a biased latching tab 52 to secure the transparent member 50 in the slot. The transparent member 50 features a recess and an angled face opposite the recess that forces the tab 52 inward during insertion of the transparent member 50 into the slot. The recess allows the tab 52 to pivot inwardly, while the angled face creates a ledge that abuts against an edge of the slot defined in the main body 46. It can be appreciated that a flange extension, like that illustrated in FIG. 2, can be used in place of the tab 52. The transparent member 50 further includes an extended edge 53 that is received in a chamfered edge of an edge defining the slot. The extending edge 53 has a configuration that prevents the transparent member 50 from being pushed through the slot, and may be angled or any operable geometric shape.

The transparent members 50 can be located over the goal line 4, or a rear edge of the goal line 4 providing a view of the goal line 4 and an area adjacent the goal line 4 that represents an interior of the goal. The third alternate embodiment goal 44 can be can be used in combination with the reflective strip 26, light transmission device 28 and a detection device 30.

As best illustrated in FIG. 5, the transparent member can be a single transparent member 54 include an extension section 56 received in the slot of the main body 46, and a main section 58 having a width larger than the extension section 56 so as to create an edge that secures and abuts against an interior side of the main body 46.

The upper and/or lower planar sides 48 of the main body 46 may alternatively be angled, as best illustrated in FIG. 6. The lower planar side 48 may be angled upwardly away from the ice to produce a similar puck 6 rebound characteristic of a circular goal post, thereby not introducing any additional arguable calls or objections for use in professional play. A puck 6 having an upwardly angled trajectory would contact the lower side 48 and rebound into the interior of the goal due to the upward angle of the lower side 48, thereby not rebounding the puck 6 out of the goal as would a traditional circular goal post. The angled planar side 48 would additionally not change the rebound characteristics of any sport projectile as it crosses the goal, such as but not limited to a football, baseball, volleyball, tennis ball, badminton bird, dart, curling rock or the like.

A lower extension section 56 of the transparent member 54 would feature an angled surface corresponding with the angle of the lower planar side 48, thereby creating a smooth and flush surface that reduces unwanted change of direction of the puck 6 upon contact.

The upper side 48 may remain planar and parallel with the ice 2 to reduce additional angle transparent surfaces thereby reducing distortion in the field of view toward the goal line 4 or reflective strip 26. Furthermore, the lower planar side 48 that is angled can be a side of the vertical post 12 facing toward the interior of the goal.

It can be appreciated that the transparent sections 22, 50 and member 54 can be used in combination with any of the above-identified goal posts 12, 14, 16, 36, 46. It can further be appreciated that the transparent section/member 22, 50, 54 can completely fill the interior of the posts 12, 14, 16 or main body 46, respectively. This can be accomplished by injecting a liquid phase transparent material through an opening or the slot of the posts 12, 14, 16 or main body 46, respectively, and then allowing the liquid to cure. Any non-injection openings or slots can be closed off, and any protruding cured material can be removed to produce a flush finish. Such a method could facilitate manufacture of the goal 10, 44, and increase the strength and rigidity of the goal.

In use if can be appreciated that the goal 10 would include a transparent section or member 22, 50, 54 positioned above a goal line 4 so that the goal line 4 or an edge of the goal line 4 is visible through the transparent section or member 22, 50, 54. Since the transparent section or member 22, 50, 54 can be included in all the vertical posts 12, horizontal post 14 and corner posts 16, then a large number of viewing angles of the goal line 4 can be accomplished. Consequently, at least 180° field of view can be accomplished with reference to the surface of the ice 2. Accordingly, even if a view of the puck 6 is obscured by a person or sporting equipment from one angle, additional angles can be viewed thereby providing an unobstructed view of the puck 6 and goal line 4.

In combination with the above use, the light transmitting device 28 could be used to transmit an electromagnetic radiation or spectrum toward the reflective strip 26 positioned adjacent the goal line 4 in an interior of a goal area. The electromagnetic radiation (light) would pass through the transparent section or member 22, 50, 54 and reflect off the reflective strip 26. The reflected light 32 would travel toward the detection device 30. If the puck 6 crosses the goal line 4 and partially covers the reflective strip 26, then a portion of the reflected light 32 would be obscured by the puck 6 and clearly viewed by the detection device 30.

If the puck 6 completely crosses past the goal line 4 into the interior of the goal, then an opening is produced between an edge of the puck 6 and the interior edge of the goal line 4. The opening allows the transmitted light to pass therethrough to be reflected by the reflective strip 26, and the reflected light 32 is thus allowed to travel through the opening toward the detection device 30. The reflective strip 26 can have a color different to that of the goal line 4, assisting in the determination of a goal scored due to the clear color difference of the reflected light 32.

While embodiments of the goal post have been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. For example, any suitable sturdy material such as metal, plastic, glass, alloys, composites, aluminum, steel or combination thereof may be used to make the present invention or any part thereof. And although verifying a goal score by viewing a goal line have been described, it should be appreciated that the goal post herein described is also suitable for viewing any edge positioned therebelow to determine a crossing of the edge.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

What is claimed as being new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent of the United States is as follows:
 1. A sport post comprising: at least one post defining at least one slot along a longitudinal axis of said post, said post being substantially aligned with an edge adjacent a sport area associated with a sport surface for determining a sport condition selected from the group consisting of a goal, a finish, and a score; and at least one transparent member received through said slot, wherein said transparent member having a configuration so that at least a portion of the edge is visible through said transparent member.
 2. The sport post according to claim 1, wherein said transparent member includes at least one fastening structure to secure said transparent member to said post.
 3. The sport post according to claim 2, wherein said fastening structure is a flange featuring an edge that abuts against an interior surface of said post adjacent said slot.
 4. The sport post according to claim 3, wherein said flange extends along an entire longitudinal length of said transparent member.
 5. The sport post according to claim 2, wherein said fastening structure is a biased latch featuring an angled face and an edge that abuts against an interior surface of said post adjacent said slot.
 6. The sport post according to claim 5, wherein said biased latch extends along an entire longitudinal length of said transparent member.
 7. The sport post according to claim 6, wherein said biased latch is a plurality of latches oriented along said longitudinal length of said transparent member.
 8. The sport post according to claim 1, wherein said transparent member is located at a side of said post facing toward the sport area.
 9. The sport post according to claim 1, wherein said post includes a first side and a second side in space relationship with said first side to create a hollow interior.
 10. The sport post according to claim 9, wherein said slot is a first slot and a second slot, said first slot being defined in said first side, and second slot being defined in said second side aligned with said first slot.
 11. The sport post according to claim 10, wherein said transparent member is a first transparent member and a second transparent member, said first transparent member being received in said first slot, and said second transparent member being received in said second slot.
 12. The sport post according to claim 11, wherein said first and second transparent members each including at least one fastening structure to secure said first and second transparent members to said first and second sides, respectively.
 13. The sport post according to claim 12, wherein said fastening structure is a flange featuring an edge that abuts against an interior surface of said first and second sides adjacent said slot, respectively.
 14. The sport post according to claim 12, wherein said fastening structure is a biased latch featuring an angled face and an edge that abuts against an interior surface of said first and second sides adjacent said slot, respectively.
 15. The sport post according to claim 1, wherein said post is selected from the group consisting of a vertical post extending up from a sport playing surface, a horizontal post substantially parallel with the sport playing surface, and a corner post connecting at least a vertical post and a horizontal post.
 16. The sport post according to claim 15, wherein said post features a first side facing an interior of the sport area, said first side being angled away from the sport area featuring the sport element, said first side being angled away from the sport area in a direction from the edge toward the sport area.
 17. The sport post according to claim 16, wherein said transparent member features a side adjacent said first side of said post, said side of said transparent member being angled away from the sport area featuring the sport element to correspond with said first side of said post.
 18. A method of using a sport post for verifying a sport condition, said method comprising the steps of: a) orientating at least one post above an edge adjacent a sport area associated with a sport surface, said post defining at least one slot along a longitudinal axis of said post; b) orientating at least one transparent member received through said slot so that at least a portion of the edge is visible through said transparent member; and c) determining if a sport element crosses the edge of the sport area to determine a sport condition selected from the group consisting of a goal, a finish, and a score.
 19. The method according to claim 18 further comprising the step of, before step c), of transmitting an electromagnetic radiation from a transmitting device toward a reflective strip associated with the sport surface, and receiving a reflected electromagnetic radiation by a detection device that is reflected from said reflective strip.
 20. The method according to claim 19, wherein said electromagnetic radiation and said reflected electromagnetic radiation travel through said transparent member. 